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What does it take to connect combat robotics events across an entire region, bring together dozens of builders and event organizers, and turn individual competitions into one massive championship season? This week on The Havoc Rundown, we're diving into the Midwest Robot Combat Association (MRCA) with three of the people helping make it all happen: Emily Baumgartner, Mike Hall, and Luke Larzelere! We explore how MRCA got its start, how each of our guests became involved in the organization, and how a collection of independent events across the Midwest became a connected competitive league. We also get into the mechanics behind MRCA's unique Elo ranking system, how fights from different venues and tournament formats contribute to the standings, and what it takes to qualify for the annual championship. From the responsibilities of the MRCA board to the event organizers keeping the arenas running, we take a look at the work happening behind the scenes. Of course, we couldn't have three accomplished builders on without talking robots! We discuss Emily's recent success with Larg, Mike's experiences with robots including Confidently Incorrect and Imposter Syndrome, and Luke's incredible NHRL championship run with Chaunacops. Luke also breaks down some of the changes he made to the robot and the strategy behind surviving some of the toughest opponents in the sport. We also cover MRCA's relationship with organizations like Robot Smashing League, the atmosphere of the MRCA Finals, the possibility of future crossover events, and what expanding the league might look like. And because it's The Havoc Rundown, Ryan kicks everything off with an icebreaker that quickly veers from robot engineering into Midwest goodbyes, hot dish recipes, and the never-ending debate over whether it's called soda or pop. We wrap things up with our listener mailbag, featuring questions from the community about everything from bringing beetleweights back to Chicago to favorite MRCA robots and the future of the organization. A huge thank you to Emily, Mike, and Luke for joining us and sharing their experiences, and to the entire MRCA board, event organizers, volunteers, and competitors who continue to grow combat robotics throughout the Midwest. Midwest Robot Combat AssociationWebsite, rankings, events, and rules:https://midwestrobotcombat.com/ MRCA Finals Eligibility Rankings:https://midwestrobotcombat.com/finals-eligible 2026 MRCA Season FinalsNovember 7, 2026 | Waukesha, Wisconsinhttps://www.robotcombatevents.com/events/10689 Robot Combat EventsFind competitions, register your robots, and discover events near you:https://www.robotcombatevents.com/ Robot Smashing League (RSL)https://robotsmashingleague.com/ National Havoc Robot League (NHRL)https://www.nhrl.io/ Website:https://havocrundown.com/en YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheHavocRundown Visit our website for more combat robotics coverage, event information, robot statistics, builder profiles, and episodes of The Havoc Rundown. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for our listener mailbag and continues to support the show. Whether you're a longtime competitor, a first-time builder, or someone who just loves watching robots tear each other apart, we're glad you're here.

This week on The Havoc Rundown, we sit down with Peter Garnache to talk about the resurgence and rapid growth of Texas Robot Combat, how TRC has developed into a major regional hub for builders, and what goes into creating events that can serve everyone from first-time competitors to experienced builders chasing bigger stages. We get into TRC’s return after the pandemic, its relationship with REV Robotics, the growth from smaller one-pound events into larger competitions featuring beetleweights, Test & Tune events, and the organization’s expanding connection to national competition through partnerships like the NHRL XP program. From there, we dig into Peter’s own path through combat robotics. He talks about building and competing, helping revive the Texas scene, competing at NHRL and internationally, and the different builder cultures and robot archetypes he has seen from region to region. Peter’s experience stretches across just about every side of the sport, including organizing events, engineering, BattleBots, and championship-level competition. We also spend time on Repeat Robotics, the company Peter founded to turn lessons learned in the pits into motors, electronics, kits, and other components for builders. We talk about product development, the new Open PLANT platform, where Repeat could go next, and the challenge of making products that are both useful to experienced competitors and approachable for people building their first robot. And, of course, we wrap things up with listener questions covering TRC’s future, Repeat Robotics products, bigger robot components, regional combat robotics culture, and some wonderfully important questions about Peter’s height. Learn more about Texas Robot Combat:https://texasrobotcombat.com/ Check out Repeat Robotics:https://repeat-robotics.com/ The Havoc Rundown:https://havocrundown.com Follow the show, join our Discord, and keep up with future interviews and everything happening around the combat robotics community.

On this episode of The Havoc Rundown, we are joined by BattleBots co-founder and executive producer Greg Munson for a deep dive into the history of BattleBots from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Greg takes us back to his first experiences in robot combat, the creation of La Machine, the early events that helped shape the sport, and the founding of BattleBots alongside Trey Roski. From there, we trace the journey through the Comedy Central era, the years away from television, BattleBots IQ, the return on ABC, the Discovery years, and the move to a permanent home in Las Vegas. We also get into the evolution of the sport itself, including changes in robot technology, judging, rules, the rise of the modern meta, builder culture, and the constant balance between creating a fair competition and producing a great show. Then we bring the conversation into the present with the BattleBots Pro League powered by Bright Data. Greg talks about the group-stage format, moving directly to YouTube, what BattleBots has learned from fan feedback, and what he hopes comes next for the sport, including future Pro League seasons, World Championship VIII, and new ideas for the future of robot combat. A huge thank you to Greg Munson for joining us and giving us such an open look at more than 25 years of BattleBots history. We also want to thank our listener mailbag contributors Keep up with everything The Havoc Rundown at HavocRundown.com, watch us on YouTube, follow us on Facebook, join the community on Discord, and check out our merch at HavocRundown.com/store.

We’re joined by the crew behind one of the newest and most exciting teams in combat robotics to talk about how Spectra went from a group of friends, rivals, and ridiculously talented builders to an official team with its sights set on Pro Tour and the future of team-based competition. We get into how the roster came together, what everyone brings to the team, how they share knowledge and resources across the country, the incredible branding and social media push behind Spectra, and what happens when the people wearing the same jersey eventually have to fight each other. Then we put the team through Five in Focus, dive into your community Mailbag questions, and somewhere along the way things descend into exactly the kind of chaos you would expect from getting this many combat robot builders into one conversation. If Team Spectra has been taking over your feed lately, this is your chance to meet the people behind the robots, the team, and the brand. Follow Team Spectra Robotics:Website: https://www.team-spectra.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/team.spectra.robotics/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeamSpectraRobotics Keep up with The Havoc Rundown:Website: https://havocrundown.com/enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHavocRundown New episodes, clips, community posts, merch, and plenty more combat robotics chaos are always on the way.

On this episode of The Havoc Rundown, we sit down with Professor Martin Mason, captain of BattleBots’ MaDCatTer and a driving force behind Southern California Attack Robotics, better known as SCAR. Martin takes us through the story of SCAR, from its grassroots beginnings to a growing Southern California combat robotics community running events across multiple weight classes and helping introduce students and new builders to the sport. We also dive into Martin’s work at Mt. San Antonio College, using combat robotics and rocketry as real-world engineering education, the evolution of MaDCatTer, building successful teams, and why failure and iteration are such important parts of learning. Plus, we get the story behind Martin’s larger-than-life BattleBots personality, some professional wrestling talk, and a packed listener mailbag. Find episodes, merch, and everything Havoc Rundown at havocrundown.com.

On this episode of The Havoc Rundown, we’re heading back around the world for a look at Australian combat robotics with Phil Curry of Hyperfocus3d Robotics. Phil joins us to talk about how he got started in the sport, the story behind robots like Leo, Meo, and Heo, Australia’s thriving 150g scene, the challenges of traveling and sourcing parts, and what makes the combat robotics community down under stand out. We also get into building alongside his daughter, competing in different weight classes, what he has learned from international builders, and where he would like to see Australian robot combat go in the future. Plus, Ryan brings an Australian-themed Game Corner, we put Phil through Five in Focus, and the Listener Mailbag dives into everything from Australian antweights to robot names, axolotls, and creepy crawlies. Check out Hyperfocus3d Robotics on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586608551856 For episodes, merch, community links, and everything Havoc Rundown:https://havocrundown.com/en

BattleBots is back, and there is a LOT to talk about. Justin, Ryan, Thomas, Tony, and Chey sit down for a Rundown Roundtable covering the opening round of the new BattleBots Pro League, including our thoughts on the new YouTube format, production and editing changes, tap-out buttons, the faster tournament structure, and how this new era compares to the Discovery days. Then we get into the robots. - Has Tombstone finally been surpassed by the modern heavyweight meta?- Is Manta the bot to beat?- How did Switchback become one of the most improved robots in the field? - Are The Twins proof that heavyweight multibots can actually work? - What happens when Witch Doctor takes on an AI-assisted Orbitron? Plus, we talk Magnitude, Malice, End Game, HUGE, HyperShock, Copperhead, Jackpot, Minotaur, Bloodsport, Teratops, Valkyrie, Golden Fury, Death Roll, Disarray, Cobalt and plenty more from the opening episodes. We also dig into how rapidly combat robotics is evolving, why some veteran machines are suddenly struggling against newer designs, and what BattleBots could do to make the Pro League presentation even better as the season continues. ⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This episode discusses results from the first four episodes of BattleBots Pro League. 🌐 Havoc Rundown: https://havocrundown.com/en ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHavocRundown Listen, subscribe, and let us know which bot you think is taking the Pro League crown. 🤖💥

We’re heading north for the latest stop in our Around the World series! Justin, Ryan, Thomas, and Tony are joined by Ravi Baboolal, founder of Bot Brawl Canada and former BattleBots competitor with LYCAN and RED DEVIL, for an inside look at the past, present, and future of Canadian combat robotics. Ravi takes us back to Bot Brawl’s beginnings at Maker Expo, explains why its massive 30-pound and 150-pound sumo robots have become such a crowd favorite, and shares how the organization has grown into a thriving builder-first community. We also explore the BBRL fight-night format, Bot Brawl’s new event-management and national ELO ranking systems, the affiliate program helping smaller events across Canada, and the long-term roadmap toward 30-pound combat and a national championship. Along the way, we discuss the generosity that defines the combat robotics community, Canadian versus American design culture, spring-loaded weapon concepts, dream international matchups, the technologies shaping the next generation of fighting robots, and, inevitably, the proper construction of poutine. A huge thank-you to Ravi for joining us and sharing the story behind Bot Brawl Canada! Learn more about Bot Brawl Canada:https://www.botbrawl.ca/https://www.youtube.com/@BotBrawlCanadaVisit Havoc Rundown for episodes, merch, community links, and more:https://havocrundown.com/en

In this episode of Havoc Rundown, we sit down with Matt and Jason Vasquez to talk about what happens when robot combat truly runs in the family. From growing up around their father’s robots to building and competing with Whiplash, Lil Lash, Defender, and 0-0, Matt and Jason share how their relationship as brothers has shaped the way they design, prepare, and compete. We also dive into the history of Whiplash, the evolution of their control-focused driving style, the pressures of working with family in the pits, and what may be next for the Vasquez brothers in combat robotics. Plus, Ryan’s Game Corner puts everyone through a snake-style robot draft featuring the best names, biggest trendsetters, and most underrated bots in the sport. A huge thank you to Matt and Jason Vasquez for joining us and sharing their family’s history, experiences, and perspective on the world of combat robotics. Visit our website for episodes, merch, links, and everything Havoc Rundown:havocrundown.com Follow Havoc Rundown on social media for episode announcements, clips, community discussions, and more combat robotics content. #HavocRundown #CombatRobotics #BattleBots #Whiplash #MattVasquez #JasonVasquez #LilLash #Defender #ZeroZero #RobotCombat #FightingRobots #Podcast #RoboticsFamily

This week on Havoc Rundown, we’re joined by artist Hotkoin for a conversation about the creative side of combat robotics: logos, stickers, character designs, team branding, robot silhouettes, and why the look of a bot can matter just as much as what happens when the weapon spins up. Hotkoin has created artwork seen all across the combat robotics community, including team logos, robot art, stickers, and the official Havoc Rundown logo and rebrand artwork. We talk about how builders can make their bots more memorable, where art and engineering overlap, how a robot’s personality helps tell its story, and why sometimes the weirdest ideas are the ones people remember. We also kick things off with Ryan’s Game Corner, where the crew gets trapped in a very suspicious wizard room, drinks questionable potions, and solves a puzzle in the least intended way possible. Huge thank you to Hotkoin for joining us and for helping shape the visual identity of this show. Thank you as well to Tom Farkas for jumping in as our fifth chair and bringing the builder perspective to the conversation. Check out Hotkoin’s art here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotkoin/?hl=enArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/hotkoinBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hotkoin.bsky.socialTumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/hotkoin Make sure to check out everything Havoc Rundown has going on at https://havocrundown.com/en, including episodes, links, merch, fantasy league info, socials, and more. Follow, subscribe, share the episode, and keep supporting the builders, artists, and beautiful weirdos making combat robotics such an incredible community.

In this special Havoc Rundown Roundtable, Justin Hunter, Ryan Hunter, Tony Baker, and Thomas Carrol sit down with Kelly Biderman, CEO of NHRL, and Ed Cracknell from DAZN to discuss one of the biggest developments in combat robotics in recent memory: the partnership between NHRL and DAZN. Over the course of this conversation, we explore how the partnership came together, what attracted DAZN to combat robotics, and what both organizations hope to achieve as they work to grow the sport on a global stage. We also discuss audience growth, builder recognition, storytelling, content strategy, sponsorship opportunities, international expansion, and what the future of combat robotics could look like over the next several years. This discussion was shaped in part by questions submitted by the combat robotics community, and we'd like to thank everyone who participated in our mailbag. A huge thank you to Kelly and Ed for taking the time to join us and provide insight into the future of NHRL and the sport as a whole. Check out the rest of our episodes and interviews at our website: https://havocrundown.com/en

This episode on The Havoc Rundown, we’re diving into one of the biggest weekends in modern combat robotics: the first-ever NHRL Pro Tour event. Justin, Ryan, Thomas, Tony, and special fifth-chair guest Julian Papasian break down the atmosphere, format, fights, production, and what this new pro-style event could mean for the future of the sport. We also sit down with Joe Copenhaver, builder and driver of Deadrise, to talk about competing on the Pro Tour stage, controlled chaos in the cage, his background in robotics and engineering, and what makes Deadrise such a dangerous machine in the 30-pound division. Huge thanks to Joe for joining us, sharing his stories, and giving us an inside look at the event from a builder’s perspective. Check out everything Havoc Rundown at https://havocrundown.com/en, including our merch store with shirts, hats, jerseys, and more. New merch is dropping regularly, so go grab some gear and support the show. Share this episode with your team, your friends, your local builders, or anyone who loves combat robotics. We’ll see you in the arena.

This week on Havoc Rundown, we’re doing something a little different with our official College Robotics special. Justin, Ryan, Thomas, and Tony are joined by graduating builders Evan Rosenblatt and Ezequiel Gonzalez Solano from WPI, Samuel Herman and Daphne Yan from Brandeis University, and Ian Talbert from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology for a roundtable on what it’s really like balancing combat robotics with college life. We talk about how each guest found their way into the sport, the robots they started with, late nights in the lab, team culture, machine shop access, passing knowledge down to younger builders, and what changes after graduation when the school resources are no longer right down the hall. Plus, Ryan puts everyone through a quick college-themed Game Corner, we dig into the differences between the WPI, Brandeis, and Rose-Hulman build styles, and we answer listener mailbag questions from the community. Huge thanks to Evan, Ezequiel, Sam, Daphne, and Ian for joining us and sharing their stories. The future of combat robotics is looking terrifyingly well-educated. For more episode, merch and more check out our website: https://havocrundown.com/en

This episode on Havoc Rundown, the crew sits down with NHRL’s own “Evil Henchman” Sam Hanson for a massive behind-the-scenes look at how combat robotics content gets made, how NHRL has evolved over the last few years, and what fans can expect as the Pro League era begins. From announcing events and creating viral content to helping shape the fan experience at NHRL, Sam talks about how his role has transformed since first joining the team and what it’s like becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. The episode also dives deep into the future of NHRL, including Pro League structure changes, prize payouts, stream presentation updates, builder communication, and the growing push to make combat robotics feel like a truly global sport. Sam also shares stories from filming Side Quests in New Zealand, building weird robots, nearly losing a robot to the ocean forever, and why the Synthesis vs Booty Brigade fight still stands above the rest as the greatest fight NHRL has ever had. Ryan debuts an all-new “Who’s That Henchman?” Game Corner featuring evil sidekicks, stolen points, and complete chaos as the crew struggles through movie trivia ranging from Star Wars and Austin Powers to Hercules and Goldfinger. Somewhere along the way, the conversation also spirals into maple syrup crime syndicates, robot skateparks, mushroom foraging, battle boats, robot Pokémon tournaments, and the possibility of a future steel floor invitational. The episode closes out with updates on Havoc Rundown merch, Havoc TV, Bot of the Day, and a spotlight on CFA Laser, a Connecticut-based fabrication shop helping builders get combat robot parts cut fast and locally before events. If you’re into combat robotics, NHRL, behind-the-scenes production stories, robot builder culture, or just hearing a group of people completely derail into absurd conversations about syrup economics and evil henchmen, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Havoc Rundown, we welcome back a familiar voice you’ve heard in our ad reads and a name nearly every builder recognizes—Seth Schaffer from Just 'Cuz Robotics. Seth joins us to break down how his company has evolved from simple power distribution boards into one of the most influential suppliers in combat robotics. We get into the full story behind Just 'Cuz Robotics, from early experimentation and solving common builder problems to scaling into a full-time business supporting competitors across multiple weight classes. Along the way, we dive into the design philosophy behind some of his most impactful products, including the SSP kit—built specifically to make combat robotics more accessible to new builders—and the development of hub motors, which have gone on to fundamentally change how many robots are designed and built today. Beyond the products themselves, this episode explores the realities of running a niche hardware business in a rapidly evolving sport. Seth talks through the risks of bringing new ideas to market, how he approaches testing and iteration, and what it takes to balance being both a competitor and a supplier. We also discuss where the sport is heading, how technology like modern 3D printing has accelerated innovation, and what future breakthroughs might look like. We also kick things off with the return of Ryan’s Game Corner, featuring a chaotic round of “Who’s the Imposter?” that tests everyone’s knowledge of robot names across multiple categories. As always, it quickly turns into a mix of strategy, second-guessing, and complete guesswork. Corey Nason was scheduled to join us for this episode, but due to technical difficulties he wasn’t able to stay on. We’re looking forward to having him back soon to continue that conversation. If you’re a builder—or thinking about getting into the sport—be sure to check out Seth’s work at https://justcuzrobotics.com, where he continues to develop parts and tools that are shaping the current generation of combat robots. This episode also marks a small production change for us. We’re experimenting with removing background music entirely. It was originally used to mask breathing, coughing, and early audio inconsistencies, but as our production quality has improved, we’re testing whether it’s still necessary. Let us know what you think—does it feel cleaner, or do you miss the music? From product design and business insight to competition strategy and community impact, this episode covers a wide range of what makes combat robotics such a unique and constantly evolving space.